President Joseph R. Biden recognized the community volunteerism of a trio of North Montgomery Community School Corporation employees. Central office Receptionist Katie Melvin and Middle School Teachers Mike Melvin and Dan Martin are recipients of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
Administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service d/b/a AmeriCorps and the Points of Light Foundation, the award is presented for recognition of outstanding contributions in community service to the United States.
In letters to the recipients, the President wrote, “By sharing your time and passion, you are helping discover and deliver solutions to the challenges we face — solutions that we need now more than ever. We are living in a moment that calls for hope and light and love. Hope for our futures, light to see our way forward, and love for one another. Through your service, you are providing all three.”
The President continued, “On behalf of the American people, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to you for your volunteer leadership, and I encourage you to continue to answer the call to serve. The country is counting on you.”
Martin and the Melvins are probably best known in the community for their involvement with the Sugar Creek Players. They have been involved as actors, directors, and producers. All three have also appeared at Myers Dinner Theatre in Hillsboro.
Martin teaches English and assists with NMMS musicals and talent shows. In 2019, he participated in an educational trip to Poland with the Terre-Haute based CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center.
Katie Melvin majored in theater at Valparaiso University, where she directed several plays. Her Sugar Creek Players directorial debut was in 2016 in the production of “The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes.”
Mike Melvin is Mathematics Department Chair, National Junior Honor Society Sponsor, North Montgomery High School Theatre Troupe Sponsor, and NMCSC Auditorium Supervisor.
Martin is a Purdue University graduate and the Melvins are alumni of Valparaiso University.
Therese and Mark Eutsler of Linden, who received the PVSA for Lifetime Achievement from President Biden in February, presented the awards, which consist of a letter from the President, certificate, bronze medallion, challenge coin, and lapel pin. Mark is immediate past chair of the Serve Indiana Commission, which administers AmeriCorps in Indiana. They were presented after a Sugar Creek Players performance of “Momma Mia!” at North Montgomery High School in which Mike appeared, Katie co-produced, and Dan Martin co-directed.
Of the recipients, Therese said, “Everything in which they’re involved, they do very well. They bring enthusiasm and energy to the arts that are infectious and encourage fellow volunteers to reach their potentials. They are the kind of role models that inspire emerging volunteers. You learn a lot just by watching them, especially how they treat others.”
